by Maureen Blevins

I rescued the kitten from a back alley. She was lost and frightened – a lot like me. I was afraid a big dog would come along and snap her spine in it’s jaws or that someone would kill her because they were hungry or just for the fun of it.

What was I doing in that back alley you ask? Hiding – just like the kitten.

I’m afraid of the streets at night. They terrify me. The people who wander the streets at night are drunk, or lost, or looking for someone to hurt. I am one of the lost. Trying to find my way home. The home I couldn’t wait to leave so I could be on my own and spread my wings and have adventures. Now, all I want to do is go home where life is familiar.

I met a boy. He convinced me he loved me and that I loved him. But I know better now and all I want is to be far, far away from him. Inside, I am like this kitten. Not ready to wander streets and back alleys and fight for my existence. I want someone to put a saucer of milk in front of me and stroke my hair and say good girl, drink your milk. And when it’s gone, to find a spot of sun to curl up in and feel the warmth as it seeps into my being and lulls me to sleep. But for now, I keep moving. Me and my kitten.

Maureen Blevins